Page 8 of Family Ties and Alibis

“We were thinkin’ maybe around New Year’s Eve.”

Tony whooped loudly. “You finally settled on a date?”

“Yes, sir. We figured we might as well tie the knot. Elvira’s construction crew is making progress on the apartment upstairs. She wants to start earning on her investment as soon as the paint dries, so we figured why not?”

“Looks like Brittney and I will be heading south for the New Year, unless we’re not invited.”

“Actually, I was gonna ask you and Tony if you would be my best men.”

Vinnie sprang from his chair and gave Luigi a hearty slap on the back. “It would be my honor.”

“I can’t think of anything I would rather do.” Tony gave him a high-five, beaming from ear to ear.

“I’m sure Elvira will be Dernice’s maid of honor,” Shelby said.

“I can’t speak for Dernice, but I know she’s got some ideas about who she’s asking to stand up with her,” Luigi said.

Carlita lifted her glass. “I propose a toast.”

The others at the table lifted their glasses of water.

“To a drama-free winter wedding featuring the handsomest groom and best men on the planet.”

“Here. Here.”

A server appeared for a second time, asking if they were ready to place a drink order.

“My wife and mother-in-law should be here any minute,” Vinnie said. “I’m on the clock, so I’ll take a crodino. Brittney and Francesca, the two who aren’t here yet, will have the same.”

“Crodino sounds good,” Carlita said.

“Ditto,” Mercedes added.

“A good Italian beverage works for me.” Tony nudged his wife. “What about you, babe?”

“I’ll make it easy and take one as well.”

The server left, passing by Brittney who was hurrying toward them. A sour-faced Francesca trudged behind.

“Sorry we’re late,” Brittney said breathlessly. “Little Vin was giving me fits, and Ma was having a hard time deciding what to wear.”

“You were rushing me,” Francesca grunted. “You would think we were dining with the King of England the way you were acting.”

Brittney started to reply but apparently thought better of it. Instead, she daintily settled onto the chair next to her husband. “Our little guy was so excited when he saw Violet in the kid’s center.”

“I’m sure she was just as excited to see him,” Shelby said.

“I snapped a picture.” Brittney handed her cell phone to Shelby.

“Awe. They’re hugging each other. Could you send me a copy?”

“You bet.” Brittney took the phone back and tapped the screen. “I forwarded a copy to Carlita and Mercedes, too.”

“Thank you.”

The server returned, making her rounds with the crodino.

“We’ll start with appetizers for the table.” Vinnie ordered an onion blossom with a spicy horseradish dip, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and spinach artichoke dip with pita chips.